Chhattisgarh takes steps against price rise

Raipur, May 2 (UNI) In an effort to contain price rise, the Chhattisgarh government today decided to enforce a new control order aimed at closely monitoring sale of foodgrain, pulses and edible oil in the state.

Briefing mediapersons after a Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Raman Singh, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Satyanand Rathiya said, ''black-marketing and hoarding of essential commodities led to price rise during the past year.'' The government has decided to enforce the Chhattisgarh Scheduled Items (Prevention of Hoarding) Order 2008 under which trading and sale of foodgrain, pulses and edible oil by traders, commission agents and those processing these items would be closely monitored.

Mr Rathiya said that maximum stock limit of these essential commodities had been fixed so as to check hoarding. As per the order, businessmen would have to obtain license from the district collector concerned for maintaining more stock than the permissible limit.

However, small and medium businesses were exempted from such license.

The minister also said that the Cabinet decided to make arrangements for distribution of edible oil at subsidised rates through fair price shops. All ration cardholders could purchase soyabean oil from ration shops at Rs 55 per kilogram while its current market price is Rs 70.

Pointing out that the government had already placed an order with PEC limited, a Government of India Undertaking, for purchase of 4,500 metric tonnes of soyabean oil, the Minister said that 45 lakh Below Poverty Line and Above Poverty Line cardholders would be benefitted under the scheme.

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